Does the prayer of one who prays behind an Imam intending to pray alone become invalidated?
Congregational prayer is obligatory according to many scholars, and it should not be abandoned due to animosity between the worshiper and the imam. If the worshiper prays behind an imam whom people dislike for a blameworthy reason according to Islamic law, such as his injustice or فسق (transgression), then their prayer will not ascend above their heads. However, if the worshiper prays and does not intend to follow the imam, there are two scenarios: First, his actions coincide with the imam's without waiting for him; in this case, his prayer is valid. Second, he waits for a long time without intending to follow, which invalidates his prayer because he linked it to someone not intended as an example. As for a slight wait or spontaneous following, it does not harm.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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